Teach without even being there.

Note: This post was originally scheduled to go live on 3/26/2020, but due to school
closures I decided to post it early.


Everyone has to miss a day. Sometimes it's for personal reasons or illness, while
other times you doing something school related that takes you out of the class.
In any case, there are times that you really want to make sure that the students
don't get behind, but how can you be away from school and still keep things moving
forward in the classroom? In this blog I will give you a few tips that will help
with just that. (Note: There are days that you might miss because you need to
get away from the classroom. That is fine, enjoy the time off.)


Use Screencastify. Leaving instructions doesn't mean that your students will
get them or understand them. Create a video using screencastify and share it
with your students. This means that students can hear what you want them to
do straight from your mouth.

Digitally answer questions. This is a tip that you should use all the time, but it
can be really helpful if you are away from the classroom. Have students submit
questions to you through email or Google Classroom. Email is a great way
to do this because you can create templates to answer repetitive questions, or
you can use the messaging options in Google Classroom. One benefit for using
Classroom is you can answer questions students send you as a public comment
that will show up with the assignment. If other students have the same questions
they can see it right along with the assignment.

Check GoGuardian. If your students are using Chromebooks, you can see their
screens from anywhere as long as you have internet. If students are wasting time
on sites they shouldn't be on, you can close the tab just like if you were in class.

Google Hangouts. If you really want to check in your classroom you can do it
with a little help. Google Hangouts allows you to video chat. The catch to this
is you will need someone to answer and share with the class on a TV or Projector.
This one isn't practical, but is really cool when you can work out all the details.

How to you keep up with your classes 

when you are away? Share your answer 

in the comments below.